Music
Mission Statement
The Department of Music engages the intellect at multiple levels through the theory of music on its own terms, the history of written music, the practice and performance of music, the anthropology of music around the world, and the technology of music analog and digital.
Courses
If a student is unsure about his preparation for a given course, he should consult a member of the music faculty. In general, the following courses are designed for the student with little or no musical background:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS-101 | Music in Society: A History | 1 |
| MUS-102 | World Music | 1 |
| MUS-104 | Topics in Music | 0.5-1 |
MUS-101 Music in Society: A History introduces students to musical concepts, styles, and forms and enables listeners to become more sophisticated and articulate.
MUS-102 World Music is an introduction to world music apart from the European written classical traditions.
MUS-104 Topics in Music is a special topics course open to all students. Previous topics have included Bach, Jazz, and African American Music.
Intermediate courses include the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS-204 | Topics in Music | 1 |
| MUS-210 | Basic Music Theory & Lab | 1 |
| MUS-211 | Intermediate Music Theory | 1 |
| MUS-220 | Approaches to Music & Culture | 1 |
| MUS-225 | European Music Before 1750 | 1 |
| MUS-226 | European Music Since 1750 | 1 |
| MUS-233 | Conducting | 1 |
MUS-204 Topics in Music is a special topics course open to all students. Previous topics have included American music, electronic music history and literature, computer-driven algorithmic composition, music in East Asian cultures, and music computer programming.
MUS-210 Basic Music Theory & Lab and MUS-211 Intermediate Music Theory are a two-credit sequence covering elements of music theory.
MUS-220 Approaches to Music & Culture focuses on the ethnography of music in a variety of world cultures, and assumes a higher level of interest.
MUS-225 European Music Before 1750 and MUS-226 European Music Since 1750 focus on the historical periods of the European written classical music traditions, and assume a higher level of interest.
MUS-233 Conducting is an introductory course for students interested in leading musical ensembles, either instrumental or vocal. It assumes a high level of interest.
The advanced student is served by the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MUS-287 | Independent Study | 0.5-1 |
| MUS-288 | Independent Study | 0.5-1 |
| MUS-304 | Special Topics in Music | 1 |
| MUS-311 | Advanced Music Theory & Lab | 1 |
| MUS-387 | Independent Study | 0.5-1 |
| MUS-388 | Independent Study | 0.5-1 |
| MUS-487 | Independent Study | 0-1 |
| MUS-488 | Independent Study | 0.5-1 |
| MUS-498 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
In MUS-287 Independent Study and MUS-288 Independent Study, a student pursues a special topic in depth.
MUS-304 Special Topics in Music is a special topics seminar created especially for senior music majors, and may serve as a senior capstone in joint enrollment with students in MUS-204 Topics in Music.
MUS-311 Advanced Music Theory & Lab requires the background of MUS-210 Basic Music Theory & Lab and MUS-211 Intermediate Music Theory.
Advanced music students who have completed the music theory sequence may take MUS-387 Independent Study or MUS-388 Independent Study.
MUS-498 Senior Seminar is a capstone course for senior music majors.
Off Campus Study
Music students participating in the New York Arts Program, a semester-long internship program in New York, apprentice themselves to professional musicians or arts managers. The Institute of European Studies in Vienna broadens and strengthens some music majors, particularly in vocal and instrumental instruction. A program in the humanities at the Newberry Library in Chicago offers opportunities to students of musicology.
Music Lessons
The Department offers lessons in piano, voice, guitar, percussion, bass, or any standard band, orchestral, or jazz instrument. Instruction is given by professional artists who teach at Wabash one or two days per week. Wabash students pay for lessons on a per-semester basis. Students who enroll in lessons must pay a $300 fee assessed through the Business Office. Students receive twelve lessons each semester, thus receiving 24 lessons in a full academic year.
Music Lessons for No Credit
Music lessons are offered non-credit to students (typically non-majors and non-minors) who wish to learn an instrument or study with a teacher. Students will be registered in MUS-160. No grade will be reported to the Registrar, but students will receive a CR on their transcript. If the student drops lessons after the 3rd arranged lesson, he will be charged for the course, but the course will not appear on his transcript.
Music Lessons for Credit
Music lessons are offered for credit to students (typically majors and minors) as an Independent Study. The student will receive ½ credit for two sequential semesters of lessons. Specific course numbers (187, 287, 387, etc.) will reflect the student’s level and progression. The student will complete and submit an Independent Study form to the Registrar’s office.
The expected semester sequence for music lessons is Fall-Spring, but with the permission of the Music Department, a student may begin a year of lessons in the Spring semester and complete them in the Fall. Students taking lessons for credit are expected to perform in the department recital and successfully complete a jury at the end of the semester.
Performance Ensembles
Participation in a performance ensemble may be either on a non-credit or a for-credit basis. Students are expected to participate in ensembles for a full year. There are no grades assigned for non-credit participation, so it does not compute in the student’s GPA; non-credit participation is noted on transcripts. For-credit participation is graded, and therefore does compute in the student’s GPA. Students are allowed a maximum of four years (2 credits) of for-credit participation, total, regardless of which ensemble(s) are involved. For ensembles that have been approved for Literature/Fine Arts distribution, a total of two years (1 credit) may be applied to the fulfillment of the distribution requirement. Ensemble participation is required for majors and minors. There is no maximum for non-credit participation; students may participate freely as their own schedules allow. Students do not register for participation in any ensemble at the time of course registration, but initiate participation with the ensemble director or the Fine Arts Center Academic Administrative Coordinator at the beginning of the academic year.
Music Theory
The Music Theory sequence is designed to develop an understanding of the rich grammar and syntax of common-practice functional tonality. This objective is approached through listening, analysis, and writing. Aural skills (the ability to perceive and reconstruct/represent musical events) and basic musicianship skills (sight-singing and basic keyboard performance) will be stressed throughout the course alongside analysis and conception, as any real understanding of music is inconceivable without such abilities. Each theory course requires weekly musicianship meetings in addition to the three weekly class sessions.
The three-semester sequence is required of, but not limited to, music majors. All students wishing to enroll in MUS-210 Basic Music Theory & Lab I must either successfully complete MUS-130 Musicianship or pass an exam to place them out of MUS-130 Musicianship. Since the theory sequence is offered in a rotating schedule, starting over every third semester, interested students are encouraged to take the exam (and, if deemed necessary, MUS-130 Musicianship) early in their academic careers in order to be prepared when Basic Music Theory comes around in the rotation.
Student Learning Goals
Systemic Engagement (Theoretical Analysis): Develop and apply theoretical knowledge and skills to deductively and inductively analyze linear and simultaneous aspects of diatonic, chromatic and nontonal music at a systemic level of cognitive awareness.
Research and Documentary Engagement (Historical Analysis): Develop and apply analytical, research and writing skills and historical knowledge to study, critically analyze, and appreciate music literature within discrete historical contexts.
Human and Material Engagement (Cultural and Physical Analysis): Develop global awareness of music in the diversity of human cultural and material systems and instrument types, to establish through their observation more complex modes of social and cultural identification.
Practical Engagement (Aptitude and Skill Development): 1) Develop and apply aural perception, phonatory awareness, and graphic recognition and realization of music; 2) Gain and develop individual solo performance skills; 3) Exercise and develop collective ensemble performance skills.
Comprehensive Engagement (Disciplinary Analysis): Develop comprehensive awareness of connections between theoretical, historical, cultural, and practical aspects of music.
Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| MUS-130 | Musicianship | 1 |
| MUS-210 | Basic Music Theory & Lab | 1 |
| MUS-220 | Approaches to Music & Culture | 1 |
| Performance | 1 | |
| Take 1 credit (enroll in four semesters) from any combination of the following courses: | ||
| Studio Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Orchestra | ||
| Glee Club | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Mariachi Ensemble | ||
| Electives | 4 | |
| Take four elective credits in Music | ||
| Capstone | ||
| MUS-498 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Music majors are strongly encouraged to take courses in the following areas in fulfillment of their distribution coursework: Art History, Language Studies (Classical and Modern), Literature (and Culture), Philosophy (especially aesthetics), Psychology (especially perception), and General Physics (especially physics of sound).
For Senior Comprehensives, majors must pass a written departmental examination which draws upon a broad knowledge and understanding of music history, theory, formal analysis, and musicianship. Majors must also pass a one-hour oral examination as part of the comprehensive examinations.
Requirements for the Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | ||
| MUS-130 | Musicianship | 1 |
| MUS-220 | Approaches to Music & Culture | 1 |
| Performance | ||
| Take 1 credit (enroll in four semesters) from any combination of the following courses: | ||
| Studio Ensemble | ||
| Chamber Orchestra | ||
| Glee Club | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Mariachi Ensemble | ||
| Electives | 2 | |
| Take two additional credits of Music electives. | ||
| Total Credits | 4 | |
MUS-031 Music Lessons
This course is for beginning students who have
never studied voice or the particular instrument
before. Students focus on the basic technical
aspects of singing or playing, and are expected to
focus on a variety of repertoire. MUS-160 is a no
credit course. $300 Course Fee in addition to
normal tuition charges.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0
MUS-101 Music in Society: A History
Appreciation for the history of music and the art
of educated listening for students with little or
no formal training. The class covers works from
the major style periods of European classical
music, as well as some examples from non-Western
traditions, both as examples of their genres, and
as expressions of the societies that produce
them. Students may attend Music Department
concerts and review them. This course is open to
all students, is suitable for fulfilling
distribution requirements, but it does not count
for the minor.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-102 World Music
An introduction to the various world musical
cultures and practices found outside the Western
Classical Art tradition. The course gives an
overview of music genres, instrumental types and
resources, forms, and styles that originate from
selected world music traditions in sub-Saharan
Africa, Arabic Africa, Middle East, Near East,
North America, South/Latin America, and the
Caribbean region. Musical practices are studied
in terms of structure, performance, aesthetic
values, cross-cultural contacts, contextual
function, and significance. Coursework includes
weekly reading and listening assignments, musical
demonstrations, and hands-on experience, as well
as the acquisition and development of listening
skills. This course is open to all students, is
suitable for fulfilling distribution
requirements, and is typically offered in the fall
semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-104 Topics in Music
A class for all students, regardless of
background. Previous topics have included the
history of jazz, the symphony, music of Duke
Ellington, music of J.S. Bach, music of
Beethoven, and music and technology. Suitable for
fulfilling distribution requirements. This course
does not count toward the major. Topics vary with
each scheduled offering. Refer to Student
Planning's section information for descriptions of
individual offerings, and applicability to
distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
MUS-111 Digital and Commercial Music
This introductory course provides a comprehensive
foundation in contemporary music technology and
production. Students will learn to utilize Digital
Audio Workstations (e.g. Logic Pro X, though
concepts apply to other DAWs) to record and edit
both audio and MIDI. Students will gain hands-on
experience composing with synthesizers, sample
libraries, and audio loops. They will also learn
and develop recording, mixing and mastering
techniques. This course serves as a creative
outlet for students interested in producing and
engineering music in a modern recording studio
environment.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-121 World Music
An introduction to the various world musical
cultures and practices found outside the Western
Classical Art tradition. The course gives an
overview of music genres, instrumental types and
resources, forms, and styles that originate from
selected world music traditions in sub-Saharan
Africa, Arabic Africa, Middle East, Near East,
North America, South/Latin America, and the
Caribbean region. Musical practices are studied
in terms of structure, performance, aesthetic
values, cross-cultural contacts, contextual
function, and significance. Coursework includes
weekly reading and listening assignments, musical
demonstrations, and hands-on experience, as well
as the acquisition and development of listening
skills. This course is open to all students, is
suitable for fulfilling distribution
requirements, and is typically offered in the fall
semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-130 Musicianship
This course introduces students to systems of
reading, writing, and playing Western musical
notation. Topics include rhythm, pitch, meter,
intervals, scales, key signatures, triads,
cadences, chord progressions, composing, and
harmonizing simple melodies. The lab component of
this course teaches students elementary
ear-training and basic piano skills using College
keyboards. The goals of this course are to provide
the student with an understanding of written
notation, along with basic skills that promote
further music study, performance, and composition.
This course counts toward the music major and
minor but is also suitable for students fulfilling
distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: MUS-130L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-141 Studio Ensemble
Students registering for this course are forming a
small ad-hoc ensembles overseen by full-time music
faculty. Using an independent study approach,
groups of two or more students can work with the
faculty and music instructors to rehearse and
perform any type or genre of music as a temporary
autonomous ensemble. The manner of study will be
determined by the students in consultation with
the instructor(s). Students must receive approval
of their ensemble from a department Chair before
registering for the course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-142 Chamber Orchestra
Participation in a given performance ensemble may
be either on a non-credit or a for-credit basis.
Students are expected to participate in ensembles
for a full year. There are no grades assigned for
non-credit participation, so it does not compute
in the student's GPA; non-credit participation is
noted on transcripts. For-credit participation is
graded, and therefore does compute in the
student's GPA. Students are allowed a maximum of
four years (2 credits) of for-credit
participation, total, regardless of which
ensemble(s) are involved. Ensemble participation
is required for majors and minors as detailed
above. There is no maximum for non-credit
participation; students may participate freely as
their own schedules allow. Students do not
register for participation in any ensemble at the
time of course registration, but initiate
participation with the ensemble director or the
Fine Arts Center Academic Coordinator at the
beginning of the academic year.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
MUS-143 Glee Club
Participation in a given performance ensemble may
be either on a non-credit or a for-credit basis.
Students are expected to participate in ensembles
for a full year. There are no grades assigned for
non-credit participation, so it does not compute
in the student's GPA; non-credit participation is
noted on transcripts. For-credit participation is
graded, and therefore does compute in the
student's GPA. Students are allowed a maximum of
four years (2 credits) of for-credit
participation, total, regardless of which
ensemble(s) are involved. A total of two years (1
credit) may be applied to the fulfillment of
distribution requirements. Ensemble participation
is required for majors and minors as detailed
above. There is no maximum for non-credit
participation; students may participate freely as
their own schedules allow. Students do not
register for participation in any ensemble at the
time of course registration, but initiate
participation with the ensemble director or the
Fine Arts Center Academic Coordinator at the
beginning of the academic year.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-144 Jazz Ensemble
Participation in a given performance ensemble may
be either on a non-credit or a for-credit basis.
Students are expected to participate in ensembles
for a full year. There are no grades assigned for
non-credit participation, so it does not compute
in the student's GPA; non-credit participation is
noted on transcripts. For-credit participation is
graded, and therefore does compute in the
student's GPA. Students are allowed a maximum of
four years (2 credits) of for-credit
participation, total, regardless of which
ensemble(s) are involved. Ensemble participation
is required for majors and minors as detailed
above. There is no maximum for non-credit
participation; students may participate freely as
their own schedules allow. Students do not
register for participation in any ensemble at the
time of course registration, but initiate
participation with the ensemble director or the
Fine Arts Center Academic Coordinator at the
beginning of the academic year.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
MUS-145 Mariachi Ensemble
The Mariachi ensemble offers students the
opportunity to engage in the vibrant musical
tradition of mariachi through vocal and
instrumental performance. Open to students of all
skill levels, this course provides an immersive
experience in the characteristic styles,
techniques, and cultural significance of mariachi
music. Students will develop musicianship skills
through ensemble rehearsals, ear training,
stylistic interpretation, and historical context
exploration. Students will have the opportunity to
showcase their progress through performances on
and off-campus, contributing to the promotion of
Latin American musical heritage within the Wabash
College community.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.25
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-187 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1
MUS-188 Indpendent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
MUS-202 Instruments & Culture
An introduction to world-music instrumental
cultures with an emphasis on organology. A wide
selection of traditional instruments will provide
a basis for the study of cultural, scientific,
and artistic aspects of instrumental music.
Specific cultures are illuminated by the
examination of aesthetic principles valued by
each tradition, the role of musical instruments
in culture, the theory of each tradition, and the
visual representation of the instrument as both a
sound and an art object. The course culminates in
a final project. For this project, students may
choose to write a term paper, give a class paper
presentation, perform on a traditional
instrument, or design and build an instrument by
constructing a replica of an existing instrument,
modifying a traditional instrument, or creating a
totally new musical instrument design. It is open
to all students, is suitable for fulfilling
distribution requirements, and is offered in the
spring semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-204 Topics in Music
A class for all students, regardless of
background. Previous topics have included U.S.
American music, electronic music history and
literature, computer-driven algorithmic
composition, music in East Asian cultures, music
computer programing, and fundamentals for
singers. This course is suitable for fulfilling
distribution requirements. Topics vary with each
scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's
section information for descriptions of individual
offerings, and applicability to distribution
requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
MUS-210 Basic Music Theory & Lab
This course begins with a review of intervals and
triads, followed by an examination of tonal music
(consonance and dissonance; functional tonality;
meter and tonal rhythm). From this study of
functional tonal harmony in both its simultaneous
and linear aspects, students move on to examine
the notion of form, including: general melodic
characteristics; tonality and harmonic
implication in melody; tendency tones; melodic
cadences; motives; phrases and periods; structure
and embellishment in melody.
Prerequisites: MUS-130
Corequisites: MUS-210L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-211 Intermediate Music Theory
This course is a continuation of elements of
music theory acquired in MUS 201. Students will
learn intermediate elements of harmony such as
non-chord tones, diatonic and secondary chord
functions, modulation, chromatic voice leading,
and basic principles of musical form.
Prerequisites: MUS-210
Corequisites: MUS-211L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-220 Approaches to Music & Culture
This course introduces students to methodologies
used to study music. Students will learn to apply
various critical lenses to music and musical
cultures around the world, throughout history, and
across traditions. We will explore a range of
critical approaches - including historical,
ethnomusicological, analytical, and socio-cultural
methods - applied to select case studies from pop
music, the European "classical" tradition, and
oral traditions found globally. Students will also
learn to examine primary sources, critical
editions, and other examples of material culture.
By the end of the course, they will be equipped
with tools for conducting independent scholarly
research on any music they wish to understand as
an expression of the society and culture that
produced it. This course is required for the music
major and minor, but would be useful for any
student wishing to learn how music can be studied
and better understood
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-225 European Music Before 1750
The rise of European art music from religious and
folk traditions; Gregorian chant and early
polyphonic genres; the growth of polyphony in
mass, motet, and madrigal; early instrumental
music; European genres of the 17th and 18th
centuries: opera, oratorio, cantata, concerto,
suite, sonata, keyboard music. Some emphasis on
the music of J.S. Bach.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-226 European Music Since 1750
A study of the evolution of European classical
musical styles and genres from the mid-18th
century to the present. The course focuses on
Classical composers (Haydn, Mozart, and
Beethoven) who transformed musical style in
sonata, symphony, concerto, chamber music, opera,
and sacred music; major Romantic works and
significant styles ranging from Schubert to
Mahler; developments in European art music during
the 20th century with emphasis on increasingly
diverse cultural/aesthetic concerns and
compositional techniques, as well as experimental
departures from European tradition after 1945.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts, History/Philosophy/Religion
MUS-233 Conducting
Conducting is an introductory course for students
interested in leading musical ensembles, whether
instrumental or vocal. The course combines
hands-on practice with theoretical study to
explore the foundational aspects of conducting.
Topics include gesture and conducting patterns,
score analysis, and effective rehearsal
techniques. By the end of the course, students
will be equipped to lead both instrumental and
vocal ensembles with confidence and clarity. As
part of the class, students will have the
opportunity to rehearse the Wabash College Glee
Club and conduct a piece at the end of the
semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-287 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1
MUS-288 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
MUS-304 Special Topics in Music
This is a dual-level course, Senior Music Majors
register as MUS 304; students who are NOT Senior
Music Majors register as MUS 204. This is a
topical course. In addition to completing the
reading assignment required of all students in
the course, Senior Music Majors will read
additional scholarly sources to be discussed,
attend regular additional meetings with the
instructor, and write a substantial research
paper. This course will be offered every
Fall.Topics vary with each scheduled offering.
Refer to Student Planning's section information
for descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
MUS-311 Advanced Music Theory & Lab
This course is a continuation of elements of
music theory acquired in MUS 301. Students will
finish study of chromatic harmony; learn tonal
harmony of the late nineteenth century; 20th
century music theory; and classical sonata form.
This is the third course of the three-course
music theory sequence.
Prerequisites: MUS-211
Corequisites: MUS-311L
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts
MUS-387 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1
MUS-388 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
MUS-487 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0-1
MUS-488 Independent Study
Individual research projects. The manner of study
will be determined by the student in consultation
with the instructor. Students must receive
written approval of their project proposal from a
department chair before registering for the
course.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
MUS-498 Senior Seminar
This is the capstone course for music majors
emphasizing connections between theory, history,
and practice. Through an in-depth study of three
seminal masterpieces (e.g., the Bach B Minor
Mass, the Mozart Jupiter Symphony, Schoenberg's
Pierrot Lunaire or the Messiaen Quartet for the
End of Time), this seminar considers the
interrelations of theoretical analysis,
historical and stylistic awareness, performance
practice, and reception. Required of all music
majors. It is offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1